What I'm Reading

I love to read. I usually have several books going at a time - some for work, some for professional growth, some for fun. So, here's what I'm reading now:

12 Keys to an Effective Church. This is actually a "re-read". I used Ken Callahan's material when I was the pastor at Haygood to get our visioning kick-started. It was great for that church, so now we're using it at McEachern. We are also reading 12 Keys to an Effective Church Leaders Guide.

5 Practices of Fruitful Congregations by Robert Schnase. You've heard me mention this book in my sermons and the Senior Pastor letter. Allen and I will be preaching from this book next Fall. The five practices are Radical Hospitality, Passionate Worship, Intentional Faith Development, Risk-taking Mission and Service and Extravagant generosity. I encourage you to pick up a copy and read it yourself.

The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. Yes, I'm a Dave Ramsey freak. I read his Financial Peace Revisited last Fall. My kids hate riding in the car with me during the afternoons when his show is on because it's all I'll listen to. We'll be starting Financial Peace University at the church this Fall.

RealLivePreacher.com. Yes, that's the name of a book, as well as a website. Gordon Atkinson began writing (and writing well) on his personal blog. The essays have been collected and published. This book was a gift from my friend and colleague, Dr. Phil Schroeder. It's a great read.

What are you reading?

James A. Hayes

Pam's Dad, James Hayes, died this past week. We spent most of the week in North Carolina with the family. I was honored to be asked to participate in his service. I thought I would share his obituary with you. As usual, this obit barely skims the surface of who he was, and all he accomplished.

Mr. James Addison Hayes, Jr., 87, of Rockwell, NC left his infirmities behind and was given a new body with Christ on Tuesday, April 29, 2008. James was born August 16, 1920 in Guilford County, NC the son of the late James Addison Hayes, Sr. and Ila Black Hayes. James was educated in the Thomasville City schools, a Veteran of World War II serving in the US Army Air Force. James had worked for Carolina Underwear, Inc. in Davidson County, then transferred to Rowan Industries as Plant Manager and retired in 1986 with 50 years of service. He was a member of the Rockwell United Methodist Church, former Sunday School Teacher, Lay Leader and President of the Men's Club. James was past President of the Rockwell Civitans and a former member of the Rockwell Town Board, and a former member of Peeler Livengood Wood American Legion Post # 448.

Survivors; wife, Bernice Wood Hayes, married in 1943, sons; Jim Hayes, and wife Susan, of Concord, NC, Joe Hayes and wife Jackie of Marietta, Georgia, Ken Hayes and wife Debbie of Granite Quarry, NC, daughter; Pam Higgins and husband Jim of Powder Springs, Georgia, brother; Frank Hayes and wife Judy of Charlotte, sisters; Marian Yarbrough and Helen Bray of Thomasville, NC, grandchildren; Mike Hayes and wife Kelly, Chris Hayes and wife Summer, Scott Hayes, Allison Hayes, Bo Higgins, Chris Higgins, Carley Higgins, great grandchildren; Trey Hayes, Davis Hayes, Addison Hayes, Jack Hayes and Parker Hayes.

Visitation: 6:00-8:00 PM Thursday at Powles Funeral Home, Rockwell, NC and the remainder of the time the family will be at the home of a son, Ken Hayes of Granite Quarry, NC.

Funeral Services: 2:00 PM Friday at Rockwell United Methodist Church, conducted by Rev. John Blalock, Pastor and assisting will be Rev. Bill Curry of Winston Salem and Dr. Jim Higgins. Burial will follow at Brookhill Memorial Gardens, Rockwell, NC with Military Graveside Rites by the North Carolina Army National Guard and the Rowan County Military Honor Guard.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rockwell United Methodist Church, PO Box 337, Rockwell, NC 28138 or to East Cobb United Methodist Church, 2325 Roswell Road, Marietta, Georgia 30062

Powles Funeral Home is assisting the Hayes family.